2014 was a frustrating season for Panthers’ running back DeAngelo Williams. In addition to dealing with the death of his mother, DeAngelo, who was plagued by injuries the majority of the season, saw very little action on the field.
Now, the question that Dave Gettleman and Ron Rivera are faced with, is whether to air on the side of loyalty and keep Williams on the team, or save $2 million in cap space. When asked about the quandary while speaking with the media today at the NFL Combine, Gettleman gave very little insight into his plans.
“I spoke to DeAngelo. We had a great conversation. It’s confidential. It’s between us,” Gettleman said. “DeAngelo had a tough season. He lost his mom who he was very close to. Then came the season and he just couldn’t stay healthy. It was really hard for him.
“Then he broke his hand against Minnesota. That’s hard. Especially when you’re 32 (in April). But he finished the season like a pro’s pro and like a man’s man. I really respect DeAngelo for the way he finished it.”
“We had a conversation,” Gettleman said. “We’ll probably continue and that’s where I’m going to leave it.”
Asked specifically if Williams would be on the team next year, Gettleman reiterated, “I’m going to leave it where I just left it.”
Although I don’t expect an unceremonious departure like that of Steve Smith, I doubt Williams will be a Panther next season. A healthy Jonathan Stewart has proved he’s more than capable of carrying the load for Carolina.